2011 started with a healthy replenishment of water reserves, thanks to the recently departed La Niña. Cumulative rainfall for the period October-June was 44.9” compared to 36.3” and 42.3” for “normal” and 2010, respectively. Of this total, 36.3” fell during the dormancy period (Oct-Mar), approximately 6” more than “normal” and 4” more than 2010. During the Budbreak to Bloom period (Apr-Jun) 2011 rainfall was approximately 3” more than “normal” but 2” less than 2010. The summer dry period began early this year; we’ve had about a half inch of rain since June 2.
So far, 2011 has the lowest number of heating degree days of any recent year. Through today, there have been 569 heating degree days, over half this occurring in the past four weeks. The recent heat has accelerated vine development to the point where we are now finishing bloom with the shoots clipped and hedged above the top wires of the trellis. We are currently within a few days of the same point the vines were at this time last year.
